Thomas B. Dunn

April 27, 2012

Thomas B. Dunn, 69, of Naples, Fla., died Tuesday, April 24, 2012, in Avow Hospice House in Naples, Fla.

He was born Jan. 22, 1943, at Washington, Pa., a son of the late James Lincoln and Lucille Babbitt Dunn.

On July 11, 1964, he married Carol Jean Campbell, who survives.

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DUNN

Also surviving are two daughters, Tracy Cunningham and husband, Mark, and Jennifer Fluke and husband, Eric, all of Buckhannon; two granddaughters, Carson Cunningham and Caroline Fluke, both of Buckhannon; two grandsons, Grant Cunningham and Bryson Fluke, both of Buckhannon; his precious Bichon, Lilly; one brother, Joseph L. Dunn of Washington, Pa.; one sister, Ann Bridges and husband, Cliff, of Greensboro, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was an exceptional leader and mentor to many in the community and oil and gas industry. Most of all, he was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family more than anything. He was respected and loved by many. Mr. Dunn graduated from Trinity High School, Washington, Pa,, with the class of 1960 and West Virginia Wesleyan College with Bachelor of Arts with the class of 1964. He was the third-generation in the oil and gas business. In his early years, he worked in the field for Union Drilling Inc., a drilling contractor and producer in the Appalachian Basin. After graduation from WVWC, he worked full-time at Union Drilling Inc. in Buckhannon as lease and right-of-way agent, eventually working into the supervision of well completion. He became president of Union Drilling Inc. in 1972, and held the position until 1987; founded D-Aspen Inc. in 1986 and served as president from 1986-1996; founded Tuscany Gas LLC in 1996 serves as member; co-founded Phoenix Diversified Ventures Inc. in 1987 and served as president; co-founded Phoenix Energy Sales Company in 1995 and served as president; co-founded T & F Operating Inc. in 1998 and serves as president; co-founded T & F Exploration LP in 1998 and served as limited partner. He presently holds membership in: Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGA WV), Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA), West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association (WVONGA), Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc. He served IOGA WV as past president, as a member of the board of directors and a member of various committees. He served IPAA as regional governor, director, area vice president, member of Executive Committee and member of the Board of Governors, Roustabout Club Charter member. Served WVONGA as past president, currently a member of the board of directors. Former vice president of Virginia Oil and Gas Association; former member of New York State Oil Producers Association Inc.; actively participated in other states' associations. Served Appalachian Energy Group (AEG) as president for several terms. Member of board of directors of St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation. Former member of the board of trustees of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Founding member of Naples National Golf Club and The Old Collier Golf Club both in Naples, Fla. Involved in Buckhannon/Upshur County, West Virginia civic organizations, including one of the five who arranged initial broad community funding for the current Upshur County Development Authority. Former member of the West Virginia National Guard. Member of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity, instrumental in the Buckhannon Parks and Recreational Complex. Recognition of service to the industry by oil and gas associations and service to the community. West Virginia Oil and Gas Man of the Year, 1982. West Virginia Wesleyan College Alumni Award, 1982. Buckhannon Business and Professional Women's Club Outstanding Employer of the Year, 1985. One of the two initial recipients of IOGA WV Distinguished Service "Gunslinger" Award, 1992. Greeted President George W. Bush upon his arrival at Morgantown Municipal Airport, Morgantown, July 4, 2005.

Friends will be received Saturday, April 28, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Wesley Chapel, West Virginia Wesleyan College. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the chapel with the Rev. Dr. Joseph Shreve officiating. Burial will follow in Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the WVWC, 59 College Ave., Buckhannon, WV 26201 or St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, 1 Amalia Drive, Buckhannon, WV 26201, in memory of Thomas B. Dunn. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.